LVN/LPN salary in California
A strong career option in California — with programs that take 12 to 18 months to complete.
Median pay · May 2025
Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
$79,750/ yr
$6,646 / mo · $38.34 / hr
↑ $15,350 above the national median ($64,400)
Pay by experience
Entry
$64,397
Median
$79,750
Experienced
$100,443
Demand
Stable
Program length
12 to 18 months
Projected growth
+2.6%
Annual openings
54,400
Market trajectory
BLS national wage benchmarks
How California compares to the national wage trend
California median
$79,750
2025 national
$64,400
2024 national
$62,340
↑ +3.3% change in national average wages for this field over the last year.
Job demand & outlook
+2.6% projected growth through 2034
54,400 average annual openings nationwide for Licensed Vocational Nurses.
Source: BLS Employment Projections
Where this career can take you
A clear progression path, with real salary growth at each step
- Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA)—
- Licensed Practical Nurse (LPN)$79,750
- Registered Nurse (RN)—
Is this career change worth it?
A simple look at what it costs vs what you gain
What it typically costs
- Average training cost$4,862
- Time to complete12 to 18 months
- Credential earnedProfessional Certification / Diploma
What you get back
- Starting salary$64,397
- Median salary$79,750
- Experienced salary$100,443
Many career changers recoup their certification cost within the first few months of working in their new role.
How to become a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California
A clear path from where you are to where you want to be
Find a LVN/LPN program in California
Browse certified training programs. Most LVN/LPN tracks complete in 12 to 18 months and average $4,862 in tuition.
Earn your Professional Certification / Diploma
Complete coursework, finish required clinical or lab hours, and pass the exam required for a Professional Certification / Diploma in California.
Get hired in California
With roughly 54,400 LVN/LPN openings each year nationwide, graduates often find employment within 30–90 days in California.
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Frequently asked questions
The median salary for a Licensed Vocational Nurse in California is $79,750 per year, which is $38.34 per hour. Entry level positions typically start around $64,397 while experienced Licensed Vocational Nurses can earn up to $100,443 annually.
Next step
Find LVN/LPN Classes Near You
Enter your ZIP code to see accredited LVN/LPN classes in your area.